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Hi all,

I am currently researching No.30 RAF Squadron, in particular the years they flew the Bristol Blenheim 1938-1941. Whilst going through some of the records I have I read several reports detailing a dawn raid on Regia Aeronautica aircraft at Lecce Airfield on 28th March 1941.

Unforunately I have been unable to find any further information regarding this raid so I am hoping some experts on this forum may be able to help.

I would like to find out why the Italian aircraft were all lined up as if on parade. I know 28th March is the anniversary of the conception of the RA but were they expecting a dignitary to visit? What damage/casualties were sustained by the RA? Which Sqn's of the RA had aircraft at Lecce that day?

Any information/photographs would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
Simon Lord

Hello Simon,
The only source that I can think of that might have the info you are looking for is the book: Air war for Yugoslavia, Greece, and Crete, 1940-41 By Christopher F. Shores, Brian Cull, Nicola Malizia.
Hope this helps,
Vincent.

Hi Simon
I see your post only today...I am of Lecce; the airfield is near Galatina (about 20 miles far) and in the summer of 1943 was also bombed by USAAC (in the reports the airfiled was nomed San Donato airfiled; the vilage of San Donato is the town more closet to the airfiled) and in 1944 by one or two Me.110 of Luftwaffe ; during the 2° w.w. and before 9.8.1943 many formations of Regia Aeronautica were here; the first in 1939-1940 was the 37° st. with S.81 as this my 1/72 model of one S.81 of the same 37° st. during 1940 :

afther there were BR.20 and Ju 87 until 1941, employed against the greeks but also german warplanes . If you want or need other information, tell to me: I will try to be more precise

Gabriele,

Congratulations on a superb SM81. A beautifully painted colour scheme.

Regards,

Aeroal.

Aeroal wrote:Gabriele,

Congratulations on a superb SM81. A beautifully painted colour scheme.

Regards,

Aeroal.

Hi, if you want see two other pcitures of my S.81 of Galatina here: http://stormomagazine.com/phpbb2/viewto ... highlight=
Gab.